Black Hockey History Month with the Pittsburgh Penguins

INSPIRE. CONNECT. ELEVATE.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are proud to honor and celebrate Black History Month with events throughout February, including the annual Black Hockey History game presented by CNX on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024.

The Penguins celebrated Black History Month by sharing Inspiring stories of historic resilience, Connecting our fans to one another through their love for hockey, and Elevating Black leaders and changemakers.

To learn more about our Black History Month and Game plans, please contact [email protected]

Click Here to see photos from the 2023 BHM Game!

In a celebration of unity, diversity, and empowerment, the Pittsburgh Penguins and UPMC will proudly present Power Play Visionaries.

This panel discussion aims to unite influential leaders from UPMC, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and other distinguished members of the Pittsburgh community. Our esteemed panelists will share their personal journeys, success stories, and the profound impact they've made in their fields. The event is dedicated to showcasing the dynamic intersections of healthcare, sports, arts, and societal transformation, underscoring their collective role in fostering community development and empowerment.

The event is invite only. However, to inquire about attending, please email [email protected].

*Panelist:

Tracey McCants Lewis, Chief People Officer and General Counsel, Pittsburgh Penguins + Board Chair, August Wilson African American Cultural Center * Tracey Conti, M.D., Chair, Department of Family Medicine, UPMC and University of Pittsburgh * Charles Jonassaint, PhD MHS, General Internal Medicine, Associate Professor of Medicine with Tenure, Assistant Professor of Social Work and Clinical and Translational Science * Emmai Alaquiva, 4X Emmy Award-winning Film Director, and newly appointed Vice Chair of the Pennsylvania Council on the ARTS by Governor Josh Shapiro

*Special Guests and Remarks by:

Dr. Maculus Hogan, MD, Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at UPMC * Chatón T. Turner, Esq., Senior Associate Counsel and Vice President Risk Management/Disabilities Services at UPMC * Delvina L. Morrow, Vice President, Community Affairs and DEI, Pittsburgh Penguins

The panel will be moderated by, ****Lisa Smith****, Executive Producer of Impacting Communities, and host of ****Intersections****

Black Hockey History Day Game

On Tuesday, February 6th, the Penguins hosted their annual Black Hockey History Game presented by CNX at PPG Paints Arena as the Penguins took on the Winnipeg Jets. Various programming included:

  • A pre-game pep rally outside of PPG Paints Arena hosted by the City of Pittsburgh/School District of Pittsburgh ‘One-Band-One-Sound’ All-City Marching Band.
  • A pre-game VIP Reception with the Black Girl Hockey Club.
  • Co-branded CNX BHM rally towels for all fans in attendance.
  • A CNX community spotlight honoring and recognizing Black leaders and change agents in Pittsburgh.
  • Honorary national anthem singer (Lyndsey Smith) and color guard (Troop 710 of H.O.P.E for Tomorrow Inc., Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council).
  • First Intermission performance of the Black National Anthem by the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church Choir.
  • Informational tables throughout the concourse include organizations tied to advancing Black excellence and supporting the Black community in Western Pennsylvania.
  • Various auctions from the Penguins Foundation include specialty jerseys, pucks, and locker room nameplates.
  • Emmai Alaquiva, an Emmy Award-winning photographer and the creative force behind Ya Momz House, Inc., brought his unique vision and expertise to capture the essence of the Black Hockey History Game.

2024 Black Hockey History Day Game Anthem Performer Lyndsey Smith

If Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul music got together and had a baby, award-winning vocalist Lyndsey Smith would be their golden child. Having a voice that genuinely comes from pain and triumph, Lyndsey uplifts and transforms listeners' ears and spirits alike. Rightfully dubbed “The Goddaughter of Soul”, Lyndsey pulls influence from artists like Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston. Her energy on stage is electric leaving each member of the audience captivated and yearning for more. Lyndsey Smith delivers powerhouse vocals, sultry performances, and personality alike, every time, leaving a moment that is never to be forgotten.

VIP Skate at Hunt Armory with the Black Girl Hockey Club

Fans were able to join a VIP Skate with the Black Girl Hockey Club on Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 10 AM until noon at the Hunt Armory. The event is invite only. However, to inquire about attending, please email [email protected].

Screening of Beyond Their Years

Fans were able to join the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, the Carnegie Initiative, and Pittsburgh Hardball Academy for a screening of 'Beyond Their Years: The Incredible Legacies of Herb Carnegie and Buck O'Neil’ at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall in Munhall, PA.

'Beyond Their Years' tells the story of parallel lives lived by sports and social justice icons Herb Carnegie (Hockey) and Buck O'Neil (Baseball), who were both excluded, because of their race, from competing at the highest professional levels of the sports they loved.

RISE Champions of Change Virtual Experience

The Pittsburgh Penguins are proud to partner with RISE to be Champions of Change. The hope is that this RISE Champions of Change Virtual Experience will help educate and inspire Penguins fans and the Pittsburgh community about social justice and racial equity.

See 2023 Black History Month Programming

2023 Black Women Making an Impact On and Off the Ice, presented by UPMC

A panel of NHL, Penguins, and Pittsburgh executives making an impact on and off the ice, shared stories of their personal experiences and pathways to success, and the power of mentorship and representation.

Watch the Session

Black Hockey History Day Game

On Saturday, February 18th, the team held their annual Black Hockey History Day presented by CNX at PPG Paints Arena as the Penguins took on the New Jersey Devils.

We Speak Series: Kids Breaking Barriers Panel

The 'Kids Breaking Barriers III' virtual panel returned, offering youth a chance to hear from and interact with NHL executives, youth community leaders, and fellow youth hockey players, offering support and guidance as they embark on their hockey journeys.

Special welcome by Penguins player, P.O Joseph

See 2022 Black History Month Programming

We Speak Series: Black Men of Impact On & Off The Ice, Inspiring Generations to Come

Featuring NHL, Penguins, and Pittsburgh executives making an impact on and off the ice and inspiring the next generation of players, leaders, and change makers.

Participants:

  • Kwame Damon Mason, Documentary Filmmaker

  • Bryant McBride, CEO at Burst

  • Jeff Scott, Vice President, Community Development & Growth at the NHL

  • Stanley Kazibwe, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Business Partner - Human Resources at U.S. Steel

Moderator:

  • Jaden Lindo, Manager of Community Hockey Programs at the Pittsburgh Penguins

Watch the Session

We Speak Series: Kids Breaking Barriers Panel

The 'Kids Breaking Barriers' virtual panel returns, offering youth a chance to hear from and interact with NHL executives, youth community leaders, and fellow youth hockey players, offering support and guidance as they embark on their hockey journeys.

Special Welcome by Jim Britt, VP, Executive Director, Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation

Participants:

  • Toni Smith, Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 19U, Defense
  • Akoung Dickson, Pittsburgh Vipers 12U, Forward
  • Anthony McIntosh, Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 16U, Defense

Moderator:

  • Jaden Jefferson, 14-Year Old Multimedia Journalist and Anchor

Watch the Session

See 2021 Black History Month Programming

The Power of Pittsburgh

Daley Talks Importance of Representation in "Power of Pittsburgh"

The Penguins held "Power of Pittsburgh," a conversation with two-time Stanley Cup champion and former Penguins defenseman Trevor Daley. Trevor Daley, who was recently named Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey Operations Advisor, to talk about the power of representation in the sport of hockey, on and off the ice.

Watch the Session

Kids Breaking Barriers

Joseph Speaks to Youth in "Kids Breaking Barriers" Panel

The Penguins held a unique "Kids Breaking Barriers" virtual panel featuring rookie defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph. The program featured a Q&A session with Joseph before Dorin Dickerson - Director of Lower Hill Development for the Penguins who is a former NFL player that also grew up playing hockey in Pittsburgh - moderated a panel featuring local youth players and their family members. The goal was to provide an open dialogue for children and their guardians to receive support and guidance on their own hockey journeys.

Watch the Session

Black Women Making an Impact On and Off the Ice

A panel of NHL, Penguins, and Pittsburgh executives making an impact on and off the ice hosted a conversation around their personal experiences and pathways to success. The thought providing and inspiring conversation, encouraged women to break their own glass ceilings, and encouraged men to serve as allies to women in their network.

Participants:

  • Kim Davis, NHL EVP of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs
  • Tracey McCants Lewis, Penguins VP of Human Resources & Deputy General Counsel
  • Dena LaMar, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Advance Auto Parts
  • Toni Murphy, Senior Vice President of Comcast's Keystone Region

Moderator: Sabrina Saunders Mosby, President and Chief Executive Officer, vibrant PITTSBURGH

Brought to you by vibrant PITTSBURGH

Watch the Session

The Hill District: Identity and History of Pittsburgh's Black Community

To end the month-long celebration, guests were invited to join the Pittsburgh Penguins for a virtual program, direct from the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. There, the conversation on Identity, continued with an on-site artistic performance by Hill Dance Academy Theatre (HDAT) and a cooking demonstration featuring traditional African American cuisine. The program was narrated by Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis, Ph.D. Scholar of American and Africana Studies, an award-winning Performing Artist, Activist and Entrepreneur, alongside Pittsburgh Penguins Executive and Pittsburgh native Tracey McCants Lewis.

Brought to you by F.N.B. Corporation

Thank you to our event sponsor The Buccini/Pollin Group (BPG)

Watch the Session

Willie O'Ree Academy Provides Opportunity for Black Youth Hockey Players

The Pittsburgh Penguins today announced the creation of the "Willie O'Ree Academy," designed to provide unique training, social and mentorship opportunities for Black youth hockey players in the Pittsburgh region. It is named in honor of Willie O'Ree, who became the NHL's first Black player in 1958 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2018.

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